Strikeforce heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem, is likely to return to MMA action soon, against former "The Ultimate Fighter" contestant Sam Hoger in the Japanese promotion Shooto. Overeem was twice schedule to defend his Strikeforce belt over the summer, but a hand injury suffered in a night club fight forced both match ups to be scrapped.

He has been absent from MMA, competing only in K-1 since November of 2008. According to a report by InsideFights, Overeem and Hoger have verbally agreed to face one another, though the official bout agreements have yet to be signed.

Overeem has compiled a record of 29-11-1 in his MMA career, while also earning a 4-3 record in K-1. In his last seven MMA bouts Overeem has gone 5-1-1 with the only loss coming via knock out form Sergei Kharitonov in September, 2007. Among his victories during that stretch are wins over Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello, Mark Hunt, and Gary Goodridge.

Hoger was last in action in January of this year, where he earned a submission victory over Johnathan Ivey at URC – Urban Rumble Championship, the second of two consecutive victories. Prior to his two most recent victories, Hoger had been on a three fight losing streak including losses to Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida in his final two UFC bouts.

Source: mmafrenzy.com